Metra expanding rush-hour service on 7 lines, hoping to attract riders returning to the office suntimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from suntimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Metra releases ambitious 2021 construction program.
David C. Lester
Spring traditionally marks the beginning of construction season across the Chicago region and the Metra system is no exception. Work has already started on Metra’s 2021 construction program and will continue throughout summer and fall.
Metra’s 2021 program includes work on two completely new stations, starting the replacement of a 122-year-old bridge over Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago and replacing more than 45,000 railroad ties across the Metra system. Work will also continue on multiyear projects to replace aging bridges and complete the Ravenswood Station on the UP North Line and to construct new track segments on the UP West Line.
Metra adds trains on 3 lines to meet ridership uptick
By Sun-Times Media Wire
Metra expands service on three lines
Michael Gillis, Metra director of communications, talks about additions to their service and the recent uptick in ridership.
CHICAGO -
Trains will be added the BNSF, Milwaukee District North and North Central Service lines.
On the BNSF Line to Aurora, two inbound and two outbound trains will be added and the schedules of two trains will be adjusted, Metra said in a statement.
On the Milwaukee District North Line to Fox Lake, four new trains will be added to better accommodate reverse- and peak-commute needs, and the schedules of two outbound trains will be adjusted.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file
Metra is adding service on three lines beginning Monday to accommodate increased ridership as more people return to the city for work and for pleasure.
Trains will be added the BNSF, Milwaukee District North and North Central Service lines.
“We are beginning to see an uptick in ridership and as promised, we are listening to our customers and the region’s employers to bring back service in ways that meet their needs,” said Metra CEO Jim Derwinski.
On the BNSF Line between Union Station and Aurora, Metra is adding two morning inbound trains, one morning outbound train, and one outbound train in the early afternoon to accommodate early travelers before rush hour. The schedules of two trains, Train 9406 and Train 9408, will be adjusted.